从善如流
从善如流 (cóng shàn rú liú) literally means “follow good like flowing water” and expresses “readily accept good advice”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: cong shan ru liu, cong shan ru liu,从善如流 meaning, 从善如流 in english
Readily accept good advice
Pronunciation: cóng shàn rú liú Literal meaning: Follow good like flowing water
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes following (从) what is good (善) like (如) flowing water (流). It comes from Zuozhuan describing Duke Huan of Jin who accepted good advice as naturally as water flows downhill. The phrase praises adaptability in accepting wisdom. Modern usage describes people who readily adopt good ideas without ego resistance, flowing toward improvement naturally.
Examples
English: "She readily accepts good suggestions from her team."
Chinese: 她从善如流，乐于接受团队的好建议。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
融会贯通
róng huì guàn tōng
Master something completely
Learn more →
学海无涯
xué hǎi wú yá
Learning is limitless
Learn more →
知行合一
zhī xíng hé yī
Practice what you know
Learn more →
举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
Learn more →
温故知新
wēn gù zhī xīn
Learn new through studying old
Learn more →
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
Learn more →
读万卷书
dú wàn juǎn shū
Read extensively for knowledge
Learn more →
抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 从善如流 mean in English?
从善如流 (cóng shàn rú liú) literally translates to “Follow good like flowing water” and is used to express “Readily accept good advice”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 从善如流 used?
Situation: She readily accepts good suggestions from her team.
What is the pinyin for 从善如流?
The pinyin pronunciation for 从善如流 is “cóng shàn rú liú”.